Helena's Art Gallery - blog

Michelangelo's Vase

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 06:08:53 -0400

Medium: Windsor & Newton Oil Pastels Dimension: 22"X30" on Strathmore 300 Pd Watercolor Paper Michelangelo's Crystal Vase filled with exquisite florals of jasmine, sweet peas, anemomies and violets. CELESTIAL LOVE by: Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) O mortal thing enthralled these longing eyes When perfect peace in thy fair face I found; But far within, where all is holy ground, My soul felt Love, her comrade of the skies: For she was born with God in Paradise; Nor all the shows of beauty shed around This fair false world her wings to earth have bound: Unto the Love of Loves aloft she flies. Nay, things that suffer death, quench not the fire Of deathless spirits; nor eternity Serves sordid Time, that withers all things rare. Not love but lawless impulse is desire: That slays the soul; our love makes still more fair Our friends on earth, fairer in death on high.
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Little White Church, Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, Karabagh, Armenia

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 23:35:22 -0400

Medium: Windsor & Newton Oils Dimension: 16"X20" stretch bar Gesso treated canvas This piece is very near and dear to me, as I have been in this particular church in Armenia. If you look closley, there is a modern day version of Jesus painted amongst the peoples of the village. and where Christianity brings upon peace in a small village in Armenia. Also, painted amongst the clouds, are multiple cross symbols. I hope you enjoy this piece of Christian harmony, as I so enjoyed painting it. Ghazanchetsots Cathedral was built between 1868 and 1887 and has a facade of white limestone.1 Its architect, Simon Ter-Hakobyan, intended the church to resemble Etchmiadzin Cathedral. In front of the west entrance is a freestanding three-story bell tower, constructed in 1858. Large statues of angels blowing trumpets stood at each corner of the bell tower’s second story. However, they were destroyed during the Nagorno-Karabakh War when Shusha was under Azeri control.2 The cathedral has seen a number of uses over the years. Its use as a functioning church ended after the Shusha pogrom of 1920. During the Soviet period period it was used as a granary, and then as a garage. During the Nagorno-Karabakh War, Azerbaijani forces used the cathedral as a GRAD munitions storehouse until May 1992,3 when Shusha was captured by Armenian forces. In the years after that capture the church was repaired and renovated. Replica angel statues were made to replace the destroyed originals; an image of one forms part of the coat-of-arms of Shusha. In 1998 it was re-consecrated as a church, and now serves as the main cathedral and headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church’s Diocese of Artsakh It is now the tallest structure in Sushi located in the mountainous part of Karabagh (Artsakh)
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Sleigh Ride By The Creek

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:43:35 -0500

Dimension: 10”X16” Gesso Treated Stretch Bar Canvas Medium: Winsor & Newton Oils Winter Sleigh Rides by Linda Cuffaro Two people God made from above, It’s easy to see they’re in love. They’re off for a sleigh ride in the snow, Each having such a warming glow. She rests her head on his shoulder, that makes him feel a little bolder, She looks towards him so not to miss, She knows whats coming, its the kiss. They smile and look at one another, Then they look at all the wonder. I’m for you, and your for me, They say, under a snow covered tree. The magnificent horse that carries the sleigh, Is a great, well-bred, beautiful bay. Around his neck are the bells, The kind that most equestrians sells.
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December's Solitude

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 08:45:16 -0500

Dimension: 10 1/2” X 14 1/2” Strathmore 140pd Watercolor Paper Medium: Windsor & Newton Acrylics Winter a Mother Goose poem Cold and raw the north wind doth blow, Bleak in the morning early; All the hills are covered with snow, And winter’s now come fairly.
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Being There

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 09:05:18 -0400

Dimension: 8"X10" Canvas Board Medium: Windsor & Newton Water-Based Acrylics Being there can be lending a hand, lifting a heavy load. Being there can be a smile on a cloudy day. Being there can be a crust of bread to the poor, giving shelter from the storm. Being there can be a thought, a blessing, a prayer. Being there can be showing support, and enthusiasm. Being there can be listening quietly while someone else has something important they'd like you to hear. Being there can be a friendly hug, or a warm embrace. Being there can be expressions, penned on a page. Being there can be the transferring of a certain glance. Being there can be offering your time. Being there can be sitting silently beside someone to watch the sun slide behind a silver sea. Being there can be wiping a tear. Being there can be chasing the moon at midnight. Being there can be a whisper, a word, a soft touch at the right moment. Being there can be riding the ferris wheel together without ever leaving the ground. Being there can be a telephone call, closing the miles. Being there can be a kiss on a fevered brow. Being there can be the gift of a flower. Being there can be teaching with kindness. Being there can be sharing the depth of a powerful silence. Being there can be wishing you were somewhere when you must be someplace else. Being there can be taking someone's place when they must be somewhere else. Being there can be driving through the blazing brilliance of autumn. Being there can be just holding hands. Being there can be waiting out the tough times. Being there can be touching God through the heart, and letting His will be done. Author Unknown
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Sierra's Garden Room

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:04:03 -0400

Dimension: 22"X28" Stretch Bar Canvas Medium: Windsor & Newton Water-Based Acrylics Bad Gardens copy, good gardens create, great gardens transcend. What all great gardens have in common are their ability to pull the sensitive viewer out of him or herself and into the garden, so completely that the separate self-sense disappears entirely, and at least for a brief moment one is ushered into a nondual and timeless awareness. A great garden, in other words, is mystical no matter what its actual content. - Ken Wilbur, Grace and Grit, 1991, p. 109.
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Sierra's Garden Room

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:02:06 -0400

Daddy's Empty Chair

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:22:53 -0400

Medium: Windsor & Newton Acrylics Dimension: 6"X12" Gesso Treated Canvas Daddy's Empty Chair Author: Unknown Daddy's Empty Chair~~ A man's daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her father. When the minister arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows. An empty chair sat beside his bed. The minister assumed that the old fellow had been informed of his visit. "I guess you were expecting me, he said. 'No, who are you?" said the father. The minister told him his name and then remarked, "I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew I was going to show up," "Oh yeah, the chair," said the bedridden man. "Would you mind closing the door?" Puzzled, the minister shut the door. "I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter," said the man. "But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, But it went right over my head." I abandoned any attempt at prayer," the old man continued, "until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me, "Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here is what I suggest." "Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he promised, 'I will be with you always'. "Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing with me right now." "So, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I'm careful though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm." The minister was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him, anointed him with oil, and returned to the church. Two nights later the daughter called to tell the minister that her daddy had died that afternoon. Did he die in peace?" he asked. Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me how much he loved me and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead. But there was something strange about his death. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on the chair beside the bed. What do you make of that?" The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said, "I wish we could all go like that." Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. I asked God for water, He gave me! an ocean. I asked God for a flower, He gave me a garden. I asked God for a friend, He gave me all of YOU... If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God.
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In Search For America's Freedom

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:18:16 -0400

Medium: Newton & Windsor Water-Based acrylics Dimension: 8"X10" Canvas Board There is another painting of mine, very similar to this one...it is called"Late May At Cape Cod." Very Symbolic, as I painted another, smaller...and you can see that there is a fisherman in search for freedom. At the other end of the painting, is the American Flag. Let Freedom Ring! MY AMERICAN FLAG Poet: Brandy Slicker You're the thing that represents what we believe in. You tell us we're all next of kin. That's only because we're Americans and we're the best, If anyone doesn't believe that you-say put it to the test! You're the thing that reminds us each and every day who we are, We might be on the home-front or maybe afar. But the one thing we know is that we're free. We won the war because we knew it had to be. We gained our freedom and our symbol was you. Our nation was very new. Other countries didn't think we would last but you stood tall. You proved that we're the best to all. You mean the world to me for all that you stand for. You will never fall on my watch, That's because I'm proud to say that you're my American Flag!
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Wild Heart Running

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 22:07:43 -0400

Dimension: 16”X20” Windsor & Newton Cotton Stretch Bar Canvas Medium: Windsor & Newton Water-Based Acrylics Wild Heart By Lacy Priest Her pounding hooves barely touched the ground, If she escapes, she’ll never be found. The men’s ropes are twirling, now flying throuth the air, Waiting to tighten ‘round the neck of the mare. She sees it and cuts to the right, While the riders draw empty ropes back up tight. The men’s horses are tiring, but she’s fresh as a breeze. “She’s drawing away,” whispers the wind in the trees. Through the canyon, up the hill, “The men are beaten; she’s safe”; the cardinals thrill! She’ll never know bridle, blanket, nor saddle, And she won’t ever help cowboys round up the cattle. ‘Cause she’s a wild one by name and by mark, The cowboys all round here call her The Wild Heart. Now that’s the tale of the sorrel mare that never got roped, Because she evaded all the cowboys with her powerful ‘lope.
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Afternoon At Emmaline's Front Porch

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 08:08:47 -0400

Dimension: 16"X20" Stretch Bar Canvas Medium: water-based Acrylics Backyards are not the only place to have a sense of peace and tranquilty. A comfy front porch makes a great escape, a lovely spot to chat with friends and neighbors. Painting of a front porch at a home in Hamilton, Massachusetts.
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Mr. Finch

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 11:13:43 -0400

Red Bunting Male Bird. Fascinating colors, expressive bird's eye!

Dimension: 10"X10" Plywood board
Medium: Windsor & Newton Oils

The First Red Bird
by Evaleen Stein

I heard a song at daybreak,
So honey-sweet and clear,
The essence of all joyous things
Seemed mingling in its cheer.

The frosty world about me
I searched with eager gaze,
But all was slumber-bound and wrapped
In violet-tinted haze.

Then suddenly a sunbeam
Shot slanting o'er the hill,
And once again from out the sky
I heard that honied trill.

And there upon a poplar,
Poised at its topmost height,
I saw a little singer clad
In scarlet plumage bright.

The poplar branches quivered,
By dawn winds lightly blown,
And like a breeze-swept poppy-flower
The red-bird rocked and shone.

The blue sky, and his feathers
Flashed o'er by golden light,
Oh, all my heart with rapture thrilled,
It was so sweet a sight!

So Close To You

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 10:52:01 -0400

Medium: Acrylic on canvas Dimension: 16"X20" Intense and rich vibrant colors of roses, miniature roses, and one daisy, done in simple small brush strokes all blended in. An emotion to feel , "So Close To You." wanna be with you for ever and for always A touch of your hand makes me shiver When you leave me all alone I cry a deep river When you tell me you love me And look deep into my eyes I wonder if you really know that I loved you from the start Your lips so soft with passion Touching against mine And when you let go I always wanna cry ~Anonymous
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On The Boardwalk

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:20:42 -0400

Dimension: 8"X10" on Canvas Board Medium: Acrylics Song: Under the Boardwalk When the sun beats down and burns the tar up on the roof, And your shoes get so hot you wish your tired feet were fireproof, Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, On a blanket with my baby, that's where I'll be. From the park you hear the happy sound of the carousel, You can almost taste the hot dogs and french fries they sell, Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, On a blanket with my baby, that's where I'll be. Under the boardwalk, (Out of the sun) Under the boardwalk, (We'll be having some fun) Under the boardwalk, (People walking above) Under the boardwalk, (We'll be falling in love) Under the boardwalk, (Boardwalk!) Oooh, la la la la la la. Oooh, la la la la la la la la la. Help me somebody, sing some la la's with me. Under the night, under the stars by the raging sea. Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, On a blanket with my baby, that's where I'll be. Under the boardwalk, (Out of the sun) Under the boardwalk, (We'll be having some fun) Under the boardwalk, (People walking above) Under the boardwalk, (We'll be falling in love) Under the boardwalk, (Boardwalk!)
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Wild Wild Horses

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:35:05 -0500

Medium: Oil on mounted canvas
Dimension: 12"X24" (no need for frame)

Wild beauties dashing through the snow!

TO MY HORSE By Whitney Robinson

From day to day and year to year It's you that makes me whole The pounding of your hooves Sparks magic in my soul. Who could match out joy? None would be so bold As we canter through the meadows In a dance of ages old. You were a gift from Heaven On Earth you give me wings And even Angel envy The joy such freedom brings We will travel the world over And track the rainbow to it's end We will find out pot of Gold And continue 'round the bend. Our Gold may come as trophies Or ribbons flashing blue But these things matter little My Treasure lies in YOU.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:11:41 -0500

Dimension: 16”X20” Gesso treated stretch bar canvas Medium: Acrylics Neuschwanstein Castle (German: Schloss Neuschwanstein, lit. New Swan Stone palace, is a 19th-century Bavarian palace on a rugged hill near Hohenschwangau and Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany. The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as an homage to Richard Wagner, the King’s inspiring muse. Although public photography of the interior is not permitted,[1] it is the most photographed building in Germany and is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.[2] Ludwig himself named it Neue Hohenschwangau; the name Neuschwanstein was coined after his death. The reclusive Ludwig did not allow visitors to his castles, which he intended as personal refuges, but after his death in 1886 the castle was opened to the public (in part due to the need to pay off the debts Ludwig incurred financing its construction).[citation needed] Since that time over 50 million people have visited the Neuschwanstein Castle.[3] About 1.3 million people visit annually, with up to 6,000 per day in the summer.[4] The palace has appeared in several movies, and was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle (1955) at both Disneyland Park and Hong Kong Disneyland. In 1923 Crown Prince Rupprecht gave the palace to the state of Bavaria, unlike nearby Hohenschwangau Castle which was transferred to the private Wittelsbach Trust (Wittelsbacher Ausgleichfonds), which is administered on behalf of the head of the house of Wittelsbach, currently Franz, Duke of Bavaria. The Free State of Bavaria has spent more than €14.5 million on Neuschwanstein’s maintenance, renovation and visitor services since 1990 Poem: Neuschwanstein Across the ocean and above the lands Sits a legacy for all curious eyes. An ivory castle on a lonely peak Where even the clouds bow down Beneath its soaring majestic spires. It was the dream of one king not long ago That flustered the brow of every fair maiden. To build for beauty, hold art above war. Dismissing tradition and logic for lies And following a single dream to lands end. He sat on the banks of the river Rhine Imagining one original palace after the next. Maybe he shopped in the Marienplatz For velvet loveseats and porcelain swans To adorn the seed of his hearts content. But now the king has been gone for years. And Bavaria has never quite been the same Since the death of Kind Ludwig the mad. His castles stand proud and greet the wanderers And journeyman, and dreamers and historians alike. Though all are rare in craft and dripping in style One of his lonely dreams stands above the rest. Reaching beyond the Alpine rolling skies Coloring heaven with a touch of human royalty. A place any Sleeping Beauty would pray to wake. It is here, I fell in love again, twice in the time of a year. First with the earth, its inhabitants achievements And the very nature that hides them in its breast. The lakes that capture the suns final rays, The heaving mountains with their fancy caps of snow, The whispering cow bells carried by the gentle winds And the serenity of the painted villages sleeping below. The second time was with a young mate Who accompanied me to my secret place. To cavort once the daily bustles had calmed. He fell for the battlements I had loved before Understood the treasures I longed to share. He carried me up the mountain like a princess To her new palace on the night they were wed. He kissed me to the whimpering of waterfalls, Then watched on as the sun sank to bed. Blessed be whoever may fall upon this place Tucked into the heart of the Bavarian Alps For this is the spot where I proudly left my heart, And left Neuschwanstein for widened eyes to behold.
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Hannah's Magical Wish Granting Tree

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:10:32 -0500

Swirls and twirls of Hannah Magical Wish Granting Tree. There was once a weary traveler who sat down to rest in the shade of a tree. He did not know that the tree he rested upon was a magic tree. It is called " The Wish-Granting Tree." Seated on the hard ground, he thought how pleasant it would be if he can sleep in a soft bed. Instantly, a bed appeared before him. Astonished, the man immediately climbed onto the bed. Then, he thought that it would be nice if there would be a beautiful young girl beside him who would massage his sore legs. At that moment, a young girl appeared before him and began massaging him. "I'm so hungry," the man said to himself. "Having something to eat now would be a great pleasure." Instantly, a table appeared with delicious foods. The man rejoiced and began eating and drinking to his heart's content. His head spun a little and his eyelids grew heavy as the wine took effect. He stretched himself and was thinking about the wonderful events that took place on that extraordinary day. "I'll sleep for an hour or two," he thought. "The worst that could happen would be if a tiger wandered by while I'm asleep." Instantly a tiger appeared and devoured the poor man. You have a magic tree inside you, waiting to grant your wishes. But be careful! The same tree can also make your negative thoughts and fears come true. At the very least it will be influenced by your negative thoughts, so that the good things you wish for do not happen. That's what worrying can do. I wish with all my heart that you live a life free of worry, negative thoughts and fear, in the shade and comfort of your personal Wish-Granting Tree - Author Unknown
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Unforgettable

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:56:19 -0500

Embracing and Passionistic. This painting was inspired by me by the sculptorist, Auguste Rodin, his version of "The Kiss" Limited Edition. I call it..."Unforgettable," because when I saw the live sculptor in Paris, France...I still have not forgotten. Unforgettable, that's what you are Unforgettablethough near or far Like a song of love that clings to me How the thought of you does things to me Never before has someone been more Unforgettable in every way And forever more, that's how you'll stay That's why, darling, it's incredible That someone so unforgettable Thinks that I am unforgettable too Unforgettable in every way And forever more, that's how you'll stay That's why, darling, it's incredible That someone so unforgettable Thinks that I am unforgettable too
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Michael Jackson-"I'll Be There"

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:57:44 -0500

www.helenasartgallery.com

I grew up loving the gentle soul Michael Jackson...his music, his moonwalk, his moves...and when I heard the news he passed away...I literally wept. I had this dream of Michael Jackson, and felt this was a calling for me to paint him. This painting is in memory of the greatest legend in my times, and as for all times. I picked one of my favorite songs he sang,"I'll Be There," when he was young...as I know he never left and will always be there! You and I must make a pact, we must bring salvation back Where there is love, I'll be there I'll reach out my hand to you, I'll have faith in all you do Just call my name and I'll be there I'll be there to comfort you, Build my world of dreams around you, I'm so glad that I found you I'll be there with a love that's strong I'll be your strength, I'll keep holding on Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter Togetherness, well that's all I'm after Whenever you need me, I'll be there I'll be there to protect you, with an unselfish love that respects you Just call my name and I'll be there If you should ever find someone new, I know he'd better be good to you 'Cause if he doesn't, I'll be there Don't you know, baby, yeah yeah I'll be there, I'll be there, just call my name, I'll be there (Just look over your shoulders, honey - oo) I'll be there, I'll be there, whenever you need me, I'll be there Don't you know, baby, yeah yeah I'll be there, I'll be there, just call my name, I'll be there...

The Outdoor Gathering

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:27:02 -0400

Award winning impressionistic original outdoor painting in a country setting. Europea flair, making you feel having a informal outdoor gathering. A fantastical image of multiple colors on brushstrokes.

A Poem As Lovely As A Tree

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:48:41 -0400

On our journey through life, we encounter many things that inspire us. This tree inspired me, and took my breathe away. I am just enjoying the journey with the small inspirations that come my path.

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. ... Albert Einstein

I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the earth's sweet flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray; A tree that may in Summer wear A nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain. Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree. -- Joyce Kilmer

Carnival

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:39:01 -0400

Abstract yet figurative array of colorful vases in all shapes and sizes. The whimsical image makes one feel there is a carnival in town.
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Late May at Cape Cod

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:33:54 -0400

Cape Cod, often referred to as simply the Cape, and called Cape of Keel by early Norse explorers. Friends and myself always go to the Cape, to visit the towns, enjoy the sites, and view local merchant trading and whale cultures. Best seafood in the Northeast.
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